Suresh Raina was back in India colours for the first time since the World T20 Associated Press

England won the toss on a gloomy afternoon in Kanpur and decided to bowl for, although Eoin Morgan thought the pitch would be good for batting, he didn't want his bowlers to deal with the dew later in the evening. Virat Kohli, captaining India in T20s for the first time, felt the same way but hoped his team could put up a good total and pick up a few early wickets to nullify the effect of the moisture that would descend on the outfield. He was a lot more coy about his position in the batting order, saying "it's still a mystery. When you see me walk out you will know where I am batting." Speculation was that he might be opening the innings.

India handed a debut to offspinner Parvez Rasool, and partnered him with legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal, so even with R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja rested, Amit Mishra has not been able to break into the XI. The news was better for the local boy Suresh Raina, who was playing his first game for India since the World T20 semi-final. Manish Pandey, having spent the ODI series running the drinks, was drafted in as well. Ashish Nehra, 38, was back as well to lead the seam attack along with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

While India made several changes to the ODI team that won the series 2-1, England have largely retained the core of their side for the T20Is. Chris Jordan and Tymal Mills were the only two new faces, although they shouldn't be rusty considering they had been playing in the Big Bash League. Joe Root has recovered from his niggle and slotted back into the England top order. Legspinner Adil Rashid, having been left out for the last two matches on this tour, has returned as well.